The popular instant messaging platform, WhatsApp, has reportedly shifted its session server routing outside of Pakistan, a move prompted by recent and persistent disruptions to internet services in the country.
This decision by WhatsApp, a critical communication tool for individuals and businesses alike, comes as companies increasingly grapple with the impacts of fluctuating internet connectivity.
According to official documents, this relocation of WhatsApp’s Content Delivery Network (CDN) is the key reason behind the ongoing service disruptions faced by users in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the nation’s telecom regulator, has acknowledged the issue, attributing the WhatsApp service disruptions directly to the relocation of the CDN.
This has left countless users struggling to maintain consistent communication, impacting both personal and professional interactions. While the PTA has emphasized that internet services have improved across fixed-line and mobile networks, the reality for many users remains inconsistent.
The PTA claims that fixed-line internet services have seen a two-tier improvement, placing Pakistan at 139th globally for fixed-line internet speeds. Mobile network services are said to have improved by three tiers, elevating Pakistan’s global ranking to 97th. However, these improvements appear to be insufficient in addressing the root causes of the issues that prompted WhatsApp’s move.
The overall impact of inconsistent internet service continues to be a major concern, particularly for businesses dependent on reliable connectivity for smooth operations.
The economic repercussions of internet slowdowns have reportedly led international companies operating in Pakistan to explore alternative relocation options and are now a topic of concern amongst business circles across the country.
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Starlink License Talks Begin Amidst Connectivity Concerns
In a separate development, the PTA has confirmed ongoing discussions between the government and Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by SpaceX.
These talks center around the potential issuance of a license for Starlink to offer satellite services in Pakistan. This move is seen as a possible solution for improving internet access in remote and underserved areas and also to provide a robust secondary option to existing internet infrastructure challenges in the country.
According to the PTA, these discussions are currently in their preliminary stages, initiated at Starlink’s request. The PTA is diligently reviewing the technical specifications required for a Starlink license, covering critical elements like bandwidth, uplinking, and gateway infrastructure.
Furthermore, the National Space Agency is also evaluating the Starlink proposal in alignment with the country’s national space policy. This comprehensive review ensures regulatory compliance and aligns the satellite service with existing protocols.
The PTA has explicitly stated that this review process is applicable to all foreign satellite service providers, ensuring a level playing field.
Any approval for operations requires obtaining all necessary clearances from the space agency before regulatory approvals. While the talks signify a possible pathway to improved connectivity through satellite internet, it’s clear that significant technical and regulatory hurdles must be cleared before Starlink can officially launch services in Pakistan.
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